My Cerberus Girlfriend

Book Five: Chapter 10

Dancer was led to the police station by Roger, Katina, Labda, Cilla, and Sariel. Her gaze raced across the room, taking in everything. Roger was wary of letting his defenses down because she appeared calm and composed.

Roger took a seat across from Dancer once inside the interrogation room. He saw she was wearing a white sports bra that covered her cleavage so it didn't distract him.

"All right, Dancer, let's get to the point," Roger remarked as he leaned forward. "Who has access to the angel blood vial?"

The dancer simply smirked and crossed her arms. "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

Roger sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "You're well aware of the penalties of lying to the police, Dancer. You're in big trouble."

Dancer sighed and rolled her eyes. "I'm not afraid of the police."

"Listen, we have enough evidence to put you away for a long time," Roger leaned forward, his gaze riveted on Dancer's. We have the authority to charge you with theft, violence, and who knows what else. But if you cooperate and tell us what we need to know, we can try to work something out."

Dancer's eyes narrowed in defiance."I'm not a snitch. I'm not going to say anything."

Roger sighed deeply and sat back in his chair. He was well aware that extracting information from her would be difficult.

"Look, I realize how important allegiance to your gang is. But consider it. You'll be leaving them high and dry if you go down. "Was it really worth it?"

Dancer averted his gaze as he considered his words. "And you'll be facing a long time in prison," Roger continued. It's not a place you want to be, believe me. But if you tell us what we need to know, we can try to come up with a solution."

Dancer gazed at him for a time before sighing. "Fine. Father Reddick bought the angel blood vial from me."

Roger's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you Father Reddick?" What about the priest?"

The dancer nodded. "Yes, that's correct. I had no idea the vial belonged to him. He stopped by after my crew took it from our opponent, Zombie Donnie, and demanded the vial back. I asked him for a reasonable price, and he generously paid me a substantial sum. That's all I've got."

According to Roger, Father Reddick was a well-known and influential priest in the city. He was well-known for his humanitarian efforts and preaching at the Cathedral of Saint Michael, the city's sole big Christian church. He has a significant following and is well-liked by many of the city's residents. However, Roger has heard stories that Father Reddick has connections to the criminal underground, which he has never been able to substantiate.

Roger rose from his seat. "Thank you very much for your cooperation."

"Can I get a lawyer?" Dancer inquired.

Roger rang the doorbell. "Perhaps if you have the right cash."

Two officers entered the room and led Dancer out. Roger's thoughts were racing with inquiries.

What exactly was Father Reddick's plan? And how could they possibly stop him? It was evident that more information was required, and Roger was determined to find it.

*****
As Roger walked inside Chief Rosetta's office, he realized the air was heavy, and the dimly lighted room seemed to deepen as he shut the door behind him. He was escorted by the Cerberus women, who stood behind him with their arms crossed and their three heads suspiciously peering around the room. Roger exhaled deeply before beginning to relate what Dancer had told him in the interrogation room.

"Chief, we found the Ironhoof gang in the underground cavern, and Dancer told us that she sold the angel blood to Father Reddick," Roger stated solemnly.

Chief Rosetta leaned back in her chair, her expression grim. "Reddick? "The priest from the church around the corner?" she asked, perplexed.

"Yes, Sir. It seems he was behind the whole thing," Roger replied, nodding.

Labda raised his voice. "We'll have to move quickly." Who knows what he's planning to do with the angel blood?" Her voice was urgent.

Roger agreed with a nod. "We have to find him and stop him before he causes any more damage."

Chief Rosetta rose from her seat, her gaze fixed on the officers in front of her. "I'll issue an arrest warrant for him, but in the meantime, you two need to find him and bring him in." Also, be cautious. He might be dangerous."

"We will," Roger declared, his voice firm. "We won't let him get away with this."

With that, the trio exited Chief Rosetta's office and returned to the crowded police station.

Cilla's eyes narrowed as she turned to face Roger. "So, where do we start?" she wondered.

Roger paused for a moment before responding. "I believe we should look into his house." It should contain information regarding his whereabouts. If we're lucky, he'll be sleeping there."

He couldn't get away from the idea that they were out of time. Father Reddick was out there, holding the angel blood, and who knew what he was going to do with it. But Roger was dead set on stopping him at whatever cost.

*****
Roger entered the frigid morgue and spotted Sariel stooped over Azrael's body on a metal slab. The angel's wings drooped as he brushed his fingers tenderly over her lifeless face, his countenance sorrowful.

Roger approached him gently so as not to disturb Sariel's grief. "I'm sorry for your loss, Sariel," he quietly replied.

Sariel's eyes were red and puffy from sobbing as he gazed up at Roger. "Thank you," he said quietly. "She meant the world to me. We intended to be together for the rest of our lives."

Roger sincerely nodded, his heart heavy with pity for the angel's anguish. "Tell me about Azrael," he added, trying to move the subject in a more fruitful direction.

Sariel exhaled deeply and brushed away his tears. "We met during the Great War centuries ago." She was a warrior like me, and we fought together. We fell in love in the midst of the commotion and vowed to be together forever. We even promised to find a method to be together after death."

Roger was transfixed by the angel's story and listened closely. "She sounds like an amazing woman," he commented.

"She was," Sariel said, his voice breaking up with passion. "And now she's gone, and I don't know how to live without her."

Roger couldn't think what he'd do if Katina, Labda, and Cilla all died like Azrael. What if they never make it out of the Underworld? What if their existence vanished forever?

He couldn't bear thinking about it, yet if it happened, he'd suffer the same loss as Sariel.

Roger put a hand on Sariel's shoulder, offering whatever solace he could. "Well, I have some wonderful news. "I believe we have identified the mortal responsible for Azrael's death."

Sariel moved her gaze to Roger. His eyes twinkled with dissatisfaction. "Then let us find and punish the perpetrator."

Roger nodded and smiled.